Money Question

[todzwife]

I like using cash because I can keep track of how much I have left.

Last time we had the Disney Rewards card (from our visa) that we used up first (on food), cash and then the debit card. This coming November though, I plan to have the whole trip saved for first so it doesn't come out of our regular paycheck (and get home and go "oops! we spent too much!"

 

[InLikeSin]

We have several Visa gift cards that don't require a pin. That way I could budget what I was going to spend. But I got nervous about using them. It couldn't be that we only have 28 days until we go. First timers all of us. We are driving from Utah so all of your advice is very appreciated.
Thank you for your time and comments.

I got a Visa Vanilla gift card for christmas and used it on our last trip and wouldn't recommend that be the way to budget your trip. It was a nasty little surprise to find out that if you use them in a restaurant then they "hold" an additional 15% of what your meal costs while the charge is pending until it clears (like a credit card charge). It takes a few days for each charge to clear so we were never sure how much was on it. Also if you want to buy something that costs more than the balance of the card its a pain in the neck. The caisher has to split the charge and charge the gift card the exact balance then ask you for an additional form of payment. If you don't know the exact balance it will just keep denying your card even though you know there is some money left on it.

 

[bumbershoot]

Just a reminder.

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts US, Inc. does not accept Debit Cards as a form of payment.

Debit Cards issued in association with one of the following Credit Card companies, and displaying their logo, will be accepted, but will be processed as "Credit" (no PIN required).

Since getting a "true" debit card without that logo on it is almost unheard of anymore, disney should probably rewrite the way that's stated.

? about the Disney gift cards... are they taken as payment at the on-site hotel restaraunts too??

Yes.


For me, using the KTTK is pretty much the same as using the debit (er, check card with major logo) card. Too easy (for some) to overspend and then go "whoops" when you see the checkout slip!


For those that don't know, when you make a purchase with the giftcard, they have the balance right there on the page. Good CMs will take a pen (or their fingernail, as it's the sort of paper that acts almost like a carbon copy, the way it reacts to pressure) and circle the balance. The only place where this doesn't work perfectly is at the table service restaurants where you're leaving a tip, so you want to be sure to note the tip amount for your own recordkeeping.

 

[jcatron243]

We use both Cash and our Debit card. We always call the bank and let them know that we are on vacation so our account will be more active than normal. I also save the reciepts and write them down in a notebook and keep a very accurate account of our $$. I check my bank account online to make sure there are no suprises. I've never had a problem. (I also keep my banks phone # on me just in case).

 

[Gisele]

I would like to use Crazy Duck's key to the magic. No really........

 

[iKristin]

I got a Visa Vanilla gift card for christmas and used it on our last trip and wouldn't recommend that be the way to budget your trip. It was a nasty little surprise to find out that if you use them in a restaurant then they "hold" an additional 15% of what your meal costs while the charge is pending until it clears (like a credit card charge). It takes a few days for each charge to clear so we were never sure how much was on it. Also if you want to buy something that costs more than the balance of the card its a pain in the neck. The caisher has to split the charge and charge the gift card the exact balance then ask you for an additional form of payment. If you don't know the exact balance it will just keep denying your card even though you know there is some money left on it.

I use the Rush Card which is a prepaid VISA. The nice part about this is that it doesn't hold any additional amount, it's prepaid so it's a set amount and you can't overdraft, AND it takes a dollar out of your account every single time you use the card and than a month later you get all those one dollars back so it's a nice little chunk when you get back from vacay.

 

[CrazyDuck]

I would like to use Crazy Duck's key to the magic. No really........

Ha ha.. Sorry it only works durring the days you are checked in to the resort. Sadly my keys haven't worked since Feb 5th.

 

[Gisele]

Alas, how sad...... please excuse me now for I must find a kleenex..... but....... when back in Rome .........

 

[PHXscuba]

I use my credit card for anything over about $10, plus bring cash for small snacks, quick purchases, etc.

I know there's more fraud potential when people use a CC to buy merchandise rather than food, but I still get amused when they want to see my ID for a $12 lightsaber purchase, but not for the $55 I spent on the 6 of us for lunch!

PHXscuba